Job Discussion Forums

[bachrocks1685]

I have read various comments on the Saudi Arabia forum about working for ELS Language Centers , in particular, working conditions, salary, and vacation. Recently, they have advertised for a program director and teachers, with minimum starting salaries of SR 16, 385.00 and SR 14,385.00 per month, respectively. This seems to be an outstanding salary. Does anyone know how much vacation one gets in a private school like ELS, and would the school close for the two major religious holidays each year? I have an MA in TESL and am looking for my first job in the ME.

Thank you

[Cleopatra]

You're right, the salary is "outstanding". Suspiciously so, I would say, given that even the better universities in KSA don't pay their best-qualified teachers that much.

Perhaps I'm being overly cynical (?) but my suspicion is that the salaries quoted include housing, by which I mean you will not be given free housing or get paid a housing allowance, the norm in most Saudi jobs. I vaguely remember seeing their ad, and not seeing any specific mention of housing, which is unusual. So read the small print!

As for hols, again I don't know, but I would guess that ELS do not offer anything like the generous holidays Saudi colleges and unis are famous for. You might get up to 6 or 7 weeks in summer, and for the religious holidays you probably won't get more than a couple of days each time, not the couple of weeks third-level teachers get.

Until someone comes along with better knowledge of ELS, I would advise you to proceed with caution. But I guess that goes without saying.[/quote]

[bachrocks1685]

Thank you Cleopatra. I have to go back to the ad, but I do recall housing and catering being listed under the benefits section. This does not necessarily mean that they are free, but it is implied. Of course, one would have to look at the contract to know for sure.

[The Barbarian]

I'd simply say avoid ELS altogether. The money may or alternatively may not be bona fide, however you cannot legislate for the sort of work that company will give you...it may not be very pleasant.